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| {{CMG}} | | {{CMG}} |
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| ==Overview==
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| Benign '''esophageal stricture''' is a narrowing of the [[esophagus]] that causes swallowing difficulties. It can be caused by or associated with [[gastroesophageal reflux disease]], [[esophagitis]] (inflammation of the esophagus), dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter, disordered motility, or a hiatal hernia.
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| It can be diagnosed with an X-Ray while the patient swallows barium (called a barium study of the esophagus), or by an endoscopy (in which a scope is passed into the esophagus).
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| [[Gastroesophageal reflux disease]] (GERD) affects approximately 40% of adults. Strictures occur in 7 to 23% of patients with GERD who are untreated.[http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic744.htm]
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| If it is caused by esophagitis, then it is treated by treating the infection (typically with antibiotics). It can also be treated with a special balloon that inflates in the esophagus (called "Dilation of the stricture"), or with other medications. For example, an H2 blocker medicine (e.g., [[ranitidine]]) or a proton-pump inhibitor (e.g., [[omeprazole]]) can treat underlying acid reflux disease.
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| <gallery>
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| Image:
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| Esophageal-stricture-001.jpg
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| Image:
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| Esophageal-stricture-002.jpg
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| Image:
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| Esophageal-stricture-003.jpg
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| </gallery>
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| ==Related Chapters== | | ==Related Chapters== |
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| * [[Esophageal cancer]] | | * [[Esophageal cancer]] |
| * [[Esophagitis]] | | * [[Esophagitis]] |
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| ==External links==
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| * [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000207.htm MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Esophageal Stricture]
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| * [http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic744.htm eMedicine page]
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| * [http://www.ecureme.com/emyhealth/data/Esophageal_Stricture.asp eCureMe page]
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